Having performed at a consistent level on a regular basis at u23 level, it is evident that the midfielder is mature enough to play senior football, something which can also be stressed for Ainsley Maitland-Miles and Krystian Bielik.

Both I’ve just mentioned are highly-rated youngsters whom plenty of supporters have high hopes for, but the same cannot really be said in Zelalem’s case – mainly given the timing of his senior debut, albeit an FA Cup win over Coventry at the start of 2014.

The now 20-year-old made a 20-minute cameo and was impressive, showing refreshing composure on the ball with tendencies to get involved in attacking movements further upfield alongside Jack Wilshere as Arsenal were two goals ahead during their fourth-round fixture.

LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 24: Gedion Zelalem of Arsenal is faced by John Fleck of Coventry City during the FA Cup with Budweiser Fourth round match between Arsenal and Coventry City at Emirates Stadium on January 24, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Big things were expected of the Berlin-born starlet but competition for places saw opportunities to play limited for the unproven teenager when Arsenal longed for a more experienced head to marshal the midfield.

Traditionally seen as an overtly physical league, it was always going to be an intriguing move for him on a personal level to see if he was ready for more minutes in first-team competition. It’s no surprise he remained at London Colney during the first few months of the campaign.

ENFIELD, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 18: Arsenal’s Gedion Zelalem is closed down by Tom Carroll of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League 2 match between the north London rivals at Tottenham’s Training Centre on November 18, 2016 in Enfield, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

Despite this, he has shown maturity and progress this term, things that suggest he could feature for the senior side at some stage. Ultimately though, there will always be someone younger and seen as more highly-rated and that could force him (just like it did to Serge Gnabry) away from the club on a permanent move, contract extension or not.

If he joined an Eredivisie side in the same manner as Dan Crowley did earlier this month, there might be renewed optimism for his chances once he returns. All he can hope for is that he impresses on a consistent basis and proves an influential figure as VVV Venlo attempt to achieve promotion into Holland’s first division this season.